The U.S. Department of Energy has selected five nuclear energy startups for negotiations to convert part of the plutonium left over from the Cold War into fuel for next-generation reactors. This arrangement addresses the disposal of high-risk nuclear materials and reflects the Trump administration’s continued push to advance nuclear energy projects.
Five companies have been added to the list.
Companies entering negotiations include Oklo, Standard Nuclear, Shine Technologies, Flibe Energy, and Exodys Energy. The U.S. Department of Energy has previously designated 34 metric tons of plutonium for disposal, and this material may be allocated to these companies for use in the future.
During the Cold War, the United States produced approximately 100 tons of plutonium, primarily for nuclear weapons. As nuclear arsenals have been reduced, this material has been stored long-term in high-security facilities. Due to plutonium’s half-life of about 24,000 years, long-term storage has remained a challenge for the government.
Some companies have already invested in plutonium fuel.
Oklo is developing reactors capable of using conventional uranium and plutonium fuels, with plutonium expected to be used in its first units. Exodys Energy is also advancing reactors that can use mixed oxide fuel, typically composed of a mixture of uranium and plutonium.
Flibe Energy plans to develop reactors capable of using plutonium and other fission byproducts. Mixed oxide fuel is currently produced primarily in France. The United States once planned to build related facilities in South Carolina, but the project was canceled during Trump’s first term due to cost and timeline issues.
Security and transportation are of concern.
The plan has also sparked safety concerns. Since the related plutonium originates from nuclear weapons systems, its storage, transportation, and use entail higher requirements. Scott Roecker, an executive at the U.S. nonprofit Nuclear Threat Initiative, stated that other countries have previously evaluated similar proposals but ultimately concluded that such materials are better suited for permanent disposal.
For the selected companies, the next step is to engage in in-depth negotiations with the U.S. government, focusing on security arrangements and transportation conditions. If negotiations proceed smoothly, this long-term stored nuclear material could be incorporated into the U.S.’s next round of advanced nuclear energy projects.